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Escaping Capability Traps Through Problem Driven Iterative Adaptation (PDIA)

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  • Andrews, Matt
  • Pritchett, Lant
  • Woolcock, Michael

Abstract

Many development initiatives fail to improve performance because they promote isomorphic mimicry—governments change what they look like, not what they do. This article proposes a new approach to doing development, Problem-Driven Iterative Adaptation (PDIA), which contrasts with standard approaches. PDIA focuses on solving locally nominated and prioritized performance problems (instead of transplanting “best practice” solutions). PDIA encourages positive deviance and experimentation (instead of requiring that agents implement policies as designed). PDIA creates feedback loops that facilitate rapid learning (instead of lagged learning from ex post evaluation). PDIA engages many agents to create viable, relevant interventions (instead of depending on external experts).

Suggested Citation

  • Andrews, Matt & Pritchett, Lant & Woolcock, Michael, 2013. "Escaping Capability Traps Through Problem Driven Iterative Adaptation (PDIA)," World Development, Elsevier, vol. 51(C), pages 234-244.
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:wdevel:v:51:y:2013:i:c:p:234-244
    DOI: 10.1016/j.worlddev.2013.05.011
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    1. Sharun W. Mukand & Dani Rodrik, 2005. "In Search of the Holy Grail: Policy Convergence, Experimentation, and Economic Performance," American Economic Review, American Economic Association, vol. 95(1), pages 374-383, March.
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    7. Albert N. Link & John T. Scott, 2013. "Introduction," Science, Technology, and Innovation Policy, in: Bending the Arc of Innovation: Public Support of R&D in Small, Entrepreneurial Firms, chapter 1, pages 1-5, Palgrave Macmillan.
    8. Margaret J Eppstein & Jeffrey D Horbar & Jeffrey S Buzas & Stuart A Kauffman, 2012. "Searching the Clinical Fitness Landscape," PLOS ONE, Public Library of Science, vol. 7(11), pages 1-9, November.
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    More about this item

    Keywords

    reform; governance; states; evaluation;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • O10 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Economic Development - - - General
    • O31 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Innovation; Research and Development; Technological Change; Intellectual Property Rights - - - Innovation and Invention: Processes and Incentives
    • O33 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Innovation; Research and Development; Technological Change; Intellectual Property Rights - - - Technological Change: Choices and Consequences; Diffusion Processes

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